June 2014 Eight years for former Bristol minister who sexually abused boys A former lay minister and school governor who sexually abused two boys in the late 1960s and early 1970s has been jailed for eight years. Robert Chubb, 82, of Old Quarry Road in Shirehampton, was found guilty of 27 offences following a trial at Taunton Crown Court. Chubb sexually abused two boys at his home in Shirehampton between March 1961 and November 1975. The boys, who were abused separately and did not know each other, were aged between nine and 15 years old. At the time of the offences, Chubb had roles within local churches and held a number of school governor positions. He met one of the victims through his association with a local church. Investigating officer Det Sgt Simon Whittaker said: “Robert Chubb committed offences against one of the victims in 1961, while the second victim was subjected to regular abuse between 1969 and 1975. Both of the victims came to the police independently of each other. “The enduring memories of the horrific abuse have stayed with them into their adult lives and I am full of admiration for the courage they have shown in contacting police to shine a light on these offences. “It’s hard to imagine how difficult it’s been for them to keep this abuse secret but I am pleased they were able to find the strength to come forward and help bring Chubb to justice. “His actions were quite simply abhorrent, especially when you consider his position of responsibility within the local community. “We are aware there is a gap of several years between the offences committed against these two victims and we have concerns there may be more victims out there who have not yet come forward. “I hope the fact Chubb has now been convicted will give any further victims the confidence they need to contact us. We are here to listen and we can give you access to a whole range of support services.” The Rt Rev Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, said: “I am truly very distressed and saddened by the news that Robert Chubb is guilty of these very serious crimes. It deeply upsets me that the two survivors have had to live through such terrible experiences and suffered such a betrayal of trust. “I commend their courage in coming forward and my thoughts and prayers are with them both. I hope that the fact that they been heard through the courts and Robert Chubb has been brought to justice will bring them some comfort.” In addition to the prison sentence, Chubb will have to sign on to the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life and an order was put in place banning him from working with children.